JP2009106613A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which enables a display controller to carry out a performance corresponding to information on machine types from game controllers without making the game controllers transmit symbol stop commands while reducing loads on control with the game controllers. <P>SOLUTION: In the game machine which makes a display control means execute a variable display game based on commands from respective game control means, the game control means transmits machine type designation information for indicating the machine types of the respective game control means to the display control means when the power source to the game machine is closed and when game balls win the starter prize winning slot, and the display control means stops the variable display of a plurality of symbols when variation time corresponding to each of respective variation patterns passes. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a display control unit executes a variable display game on a display device based on a command from a game control unit.

  A variable display game in which a plurality of identification information (special symbols) is variably displayed (scrolled) on a display device (for example, a liquid crystal display or the like) based on a winning at a start winning opening of a game ball launched into the game area A gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine) that gives a specific game value such as generating a bonus game is known in connection with the result mode (stop symbol) of this variable display game becoming a specific mode. Yes.

  Such a gaming machine includes a game control device that comprehensively controls a game, and a display control device that controls a variable display game on a display device based on command information (command command) from the game control device. When the display control device receives the change start command and the symbol command transmitted from the game control device, the display control device starts the change display game.

  Then, when the display control device receives the symbol stop command transmitted from the game control device after the elapse of a time predetermined by the variation pattern, the display control device stops the variation display game being performed on the display device, and displays the display result. Derived (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Further, in recent years, there are many cases where a plurality of types of models having different specifications such as jackpot probability are released for one gaming machine.

  In this case, the display control device stores data for presentation corresponding to a plurality of types of models, and receives model designation information indicating the model of the game control device from the game control device, thereby corresponding to the game control device. The production is performed using the production data.

  Accordingly, a display control device common to a plurality of types of game control devices can be used, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  However, if the display control device misses a command from the game control device or the game machine is reset due to a problem with the gaming machine, the display control device cannot identify the model of the game control device. In view of this, it is desirable that the model designation information is transmitted from the game control device a plurality of times.

Therefore, the game control device transmits the model designation information when the gaming machine is turned on and when the power is restored, and includes the model designation information in the symbol stop command, and transmits the model designation information for each variable display game. .
JP 2001-104609 A

  In a conventional gaming machine, the game control device and the display control device store the variation pattern of the variation display game and the variation time of the variation pattern. For this reason, even if the game control device does not transmit a symbol stop command indicating that the variation time of the variation display game has ended to the display control device, when the display control device has completed the variation time, the variation display game Can be terminated.

  However, in the conventional gaming machine, the game control device transmits a symbol stop command to the display control device when the variation time of the variation display game ends, and therefore an extra control load is applied to the game control device.

  In addition, when the game control device does not transmit the symbol stop command to the display control device, the model designation information included in the symbol stop command by the game control device is not necessarily transmitted. As a result, when the gaming machine is reset, the model information of the game control device cannot be specified by the display control device, so the display control device cannot perform an effect corresponding to the model information of the game control device.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and the game control device reduces the control load on the game control device by not transmitting the symbol stop command to the display control device, and the game control device stops the symbol stop. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of providing an effect corresponding to the model information of the game control device even when the command is not transmitted to the display control device.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device capable of changing a display state, a start winning opening provided on a game board and capable of winning a game ball, and a game ball to the start winning opening by controlling the game in an integrated manner. Game control means for transmitting variable display start information for instructing the start of execution of a variable display game for variably displaying a plurality of symbols on the display device based on the winning of the game, and the display device based on the variable display start information Display control means for executing a variable display game in a game machine capable of generating a specific game state advantageous to a player when the display result mode of the variable display game is a specific display result mode. When the game machine is powered on, the means transmits model designation information indicating the model of the gaming machine to the display control means, and the variation based on the winning of the game ball at the start winning opening As starting information Fluctuation pattern information for identifying a variation pattern in the variation display game, symbol designation information for identifying a display result mode of the variation display game, model designation information indicating a model of the game control means, the display control means The display control means transmits a presentation table including a variation pattern in the variation display game and a variation time for variably displaying symbols in the variation display game to the game control means of a plurality of types of models. Based on the model designation information stored correspondingly and transmitted from the game control means, the presentation table corresponding to the model of the game control means is selected, and the variable display start information transmitted from the game control means Among the variation patterns included in the selected presentation table based on the variation pattern information. And specifying the display result mode in the variation display game based on the symbol designation information, starting the variation display game, and the variation time corresponding to the identified variation pattern has elapsed. In this case, the variable display of the plurality of symbols is stopped in the specified display result mode.

  In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the game control means transmits the model designation information to either the variation pattern information or the symbol designation information and transmits it to the display control means. Features.

  In a third aspect based on the first aspect, the game control means stores power-on symbol designating information for designating a symbol to be displayed on the display device when the gaming machine is powered on. When the power is turned on, the power-on information indicating that the power has been turned on, and the power-on symbol designation information including the model designation information are transmitted to the display control means, When the display control means receives the power-on information and the power-on symbol designation information, the symbol designated by the power-on symbol designation information from a plurality of symbols stored corresponding to the model designation information Is selected and displayed on the display device.

  According to the first invention, the game control means does not transmit the symbol stop command for ending the variable display game when the variable time of the variable display game ends, so the control load on the game control means can be reduced. Further, since the display control means receives the model designation information at the time of power-on and for each variable display game, even when the gaming machine is reset, the display control means produces a variable display game corresponding to the model of the game control means. be able to.

  According to the second invention, the game control means transmits the model designation information to either the variation pattern information or the symbol designation information and transmits it to the display control means, so that the model designation information is not transmitted independently. Therefore, the control load of the game control means can be reduced.

  According to the third invention, since the symbols displayed when the power is turned on differ depending on the model of the game control means, the model of the gaming machine can be grasped only by visually recognizing the symbols displayed when the power is turned on.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the following description of the embodiments, the front, rear, left, and right refer to directions viewed from the player, that is, viewed from the game board.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine (pachinko machine) 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  A front frame 2 of the gaming machine 1 is attached to a machine frame (not shown) fixed to an island facility for installing the gaming machine 1 via a hinge 4 so that one side portion can be opened and closed to the left and right. The front frame 2 has a substantially square opening, and the game board 5 is attached to the opening. Further, a glass frame 6 is attached to the front frame 2 through a hinge so as to be openable and closable, and a transparent cover glass is attached to an opening of the glass frame 6.

  On the game board 5, a substantially circular game area 11 is defined by a guide rail 10 provided on the surface of the game board 5. The player can visually recognize the game area 11 through the cover glass.

  Below the game board 5 in the front frame 2, there are a launch operation unit 15 and a ball storage unit 16 a of a launch device (not shown) that sequentially launches game balls (pachinko balls) one by one in the game area 11. An upper plate 16 that guides the ball to the launching device, a lower plate 17 that can store a game ball overflowing the ball storage unit 16a of the upper plate 16, a speaker 18 that outputs music, and an ashtray 19 are disposed. Note that the speakers 18 are also disposed at both upper left and right ends of the glass frame 6.

  A ball lending button 63 for instructing lending a ball and a discharge button 64 for instructing discharge of a prepaid card from the card lending unit are provided on the upper right portion of the upper plate 16. Between these buttons 63 and 64, a balance display portion 65 for displaying the balance of the prepaid card is provided.

  The gaming machine 1 plays a game by a game ball launched from the launching device flowing down in the game area 11 based on the player's operation of the launch operation unit 15.

  A center case 21 having a substantially rectangular opening window 21a is disposed in the approximate center of the game area 11. Behind the center case 21, a display device 22 that variably displays a plurality of identification information is disposed in a state where the display portion 22 a faces the opening window portion 21 a of the center case 21.

  The display device 22 sets a plurality of variable display areas (for example, three variable display areas on the left side, the center, and the right side) in the display unit 22a, and displays the image independently in each display area. It is. In the present embodiment, for example, a display screen portion is configured by an LCD (liquid crystal display) or the like capable of displaying an arbitrary image, and each variable display area on the display screen has a plurality of identification information (special symbols) and An image based on the progress of the game, such as a character that produces a variable display game, is displayed.

  Below the center case 21 in the game area 11, a start winning opening 24 (corresponding to “winning area”) having an ordinary variable winning device (ordinary electric accessory) 23 is arranged. Below, a special variable winning device (large winning opening) 25 that can be converted into a state in which a game ball is not received and a state in which it is easily received depending on the operation result of the display device 22 is disposed. In addition, on the left side of the center case 21 in the game area 11, a normal symbol start gate 26 for the normal variation display game is arranged.

  In addition to this, the game area 11 includes a general winning port 28 where only a condition for paying out a winning ball when a winning game ball is won, a direction of a windmill 29 or a nail (not shown) for changing the falling direction of the gaming ball, etc. A conversion member and an out port 30 for collecting game balls that have flowed down without winning are arranged.

  At the top of the center case 21, the special symbol variation display of the special symbol variation display game, the special symbol winning memory number (starting memory number), the normal symbol variation display of the normal symbol variation display game, and the normal symbol winning memory. A display 32 for displaying the number is provided.

  The game ball launched by the launching device is fired into the game area 11 from the launch ball guide passage 31 that is partitioned on the left side of the guide rail 10 and guides the game ball, and windmills 29 and the like arranged at various locations in the game area 11 The direction change member changes the falling direction to flow down the game area 11 and wins the start winning opening 24, the general winning opening 28, the big winning opening 25, or from the out opening 30 provided at the bottom of the gaming area 11. Discharged.

  When a game ball wins the start winning opening 24, the general winning opening 28, and the big winning opening 25, the number of winning balls corresponding to the type of the winning winning opening is discharged to the upper plate 16 from the payout device (not shown).

  Specifically, when a game ball is won at the start winning opening 24, the display device 22 starts a variable display game in which the symbols composed of the numbers and the like described above are sequentially displayed, and an image relating to the variable display game is displayed. Is displayed.

  When a winning at the start winning opening 24 is made at a predetermined timing, a big win state is entered, and the game stops when three display symbols are aligned (a big win symbol). At this time, the special winning opening 25 is switched from a closed state (a disadvantageous state to the player) in which the special winning opening 25 does not accept a game ball for a predetermined time by energization to the special winning opening solenoid 123 shown in FIG. The ball is converted into an open state (a state advantageous to the player) that can easily accept the ball. In other words, since the special winning opening is greatly opened for a predetermined time, a game value is given that the player can acquire many game balls during this time.

  Further, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol start gate 26, the display unit 32 starts a general symbol change display game. When the passing of the game ball to the normal symbol start gate 26 is made at a predetermined timing, the normal symbol related hit state is entered, and the normal symbol displayed on the display 32 stops in the hit state. At this time, the normal variation winning device 23 provided in the start winning opening 24 is converted so that the entrance to the starting winning opening 24 is expanded for a predetermined time by energization of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 122 shown in FIG. As a result, the possibility of winning the game ball at the start winning opening 24 is increased.

  A warp inlet 55 is provided on the left side of the display device 22 on the frame of the center case 21. The game ball that has flowed down to the warp inlet 55 is discharged from the warp outlet 57 through the warp passage 54, rolls on a rolling surface (stage) provided on the lower side of the display device 22, and immediately below the center of the display device 22. It flows down from the hole or rolling surface provided in. And when it flows down to the hole provided directly under the center, it is discharged from the communication port 62 provided immediately above the start winning port 24, thereby increasing the possibility of winning the start winning port 24.

  The ball removal button 66 is a button for discharging the game ball remaining on the upper plate 16 to the lower plate 17.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a part of a control system centering on the game control device 100 of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The game control apparatus 100 includes a microprocessor 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an input I / F (Interface) 104, an output I / F 105, and an external communication terminal 106.

  The microprocessor 101 is a main control device that controls the game in an integrated manner, and controls the game. The ROM 102 stores invariant information (program, data, etc.) for game control. The RAM 103 is used as a work area during game control.

  The game control apparatus 100 is provided with an external communication terminal 106, and an identification number uniquely set in the microprocessor 101 can be output from the external communication terminal 106. By connecting a management computer (so-called hall control), the management computer can identify the gaming machine 1.

  The microprocessor 101 receives various detection devices (start port sensor 110, winning port sensor a111a to winning port sensor n111n, gate sensor 112, count sensor 113, glass frame opening sensor 114, inner frame opening sensor 115 via the input I / F 104. In response to detection signals from the ball break sensor 116 and the clear switch 117), various processes such as a big hit lottery are performed.

  Further, the microprocessor 101 outputs each piece of information to the special-figure display 120 and the general-purpose display 121 provided in the game area 11 via the output I / F 105. The display 32 is composed of a special-purpose display 120 and a general-purpose display 121.

  The special figure display 120 outputs the fluctuation display mode of the special figure fluctuation display game. The universal display 121 outputs a variation display mode of the universal variation display game.

  Further, the microprocessor 101 sends a command signal to the ordinary electric accessory SOL (solenoid) 122, the special winning opening SOL123, and the discharge control device 124 via the output I / F 105 to control the game in an integrated manner.

  In the ordinary electric accessory SOL (solenoid) 122, the entrance to the start winning opening 24 is expanded for a predetermined time.

  The special winning opening SOL123 is changed from a closed state where the special winning opening 25 does not accept the game ball (a state disadvantageous to the player) to an open state where the game ball is easily received (a state advantageous to the player).

  The discharge control device 124 is a device for operating the payout unit based on the prize ball command signal from the game control apparatus 100 to discharge the prize ball. Further, the discharge control device 124 is a device for controlling the operation of the payout unit and discharging the rented ball based on the renting request signal from the card ball renting unit provided in the gaming machine 1.

  Further, the microprocessor 101 outputs information regarding the gaming machine 1 to the management computer via the external terminal board 125 connected to the output I / F 105.

  The game control device 100 uses a variation start command (including a model / design designation command and a variation pattern designation command), a customer waiting demo command, a fanfare command, a probability information command, an error designation command, etc. as a production control command signal. It transmits to the control apparatus 150. Details of these commands will be described with reference to FIG.

  In addition, the game control device 100 is connected to a backup power supply (not shown) that supplies power to the game control device 100 during a power failure. Thereby, the game control apparatus 100 can operate even during a power failure.

  The effect control device 150 can grasp the transition of the game state managed by the game control device 100 by receiving these commands.

  The effect control device 150 is provided with a CPU 151 for display control, a ROM 152 for storing programs and data, a work area during operation of the CPU 151, and a frame buffer for temporarily storing image data displayed on the display device 22. A RAM 153, a communication I / F 154, an output I / F 155, an input I / F 156, and the like.

  The data stored in the ROM 152 includes image data (symbol data, background image data, moving image character data, texture data, etc.) and music data to be reproduced.

  The CPU 151 executes a program stored in the ROM 152, and based on a signal from the game control device 100, image control information (a pattern composed of sprite data, polygon data, etc.) for a variable display game according to the game state. Display information, background screen information, moving image object screen information, etc.) are calculated, and an image signal to be displayed on the display device 22 is generated.

  The CPU 151 performs, for example, polygon drawing (or normal bitmap drawing) of the image based on the image data stored in the ROM 152 and the contents calculated by the CPU 151, and a predetermined texture is applied to each polygon. The data is pasted and stored in the frame buffer of the RAM 153.

  The CPU 151 also performs drawing processing such as point drawing, line drawing, triangle drawing, texture mapping, alpha blending, shading processing (such as glow shading), and hidden surface removal (such as Z buffer processing). The image signal subjected to these drawing processes is stored in the frame buffer of the RAM 153.

  Then, the CPU 151 transmits the image stored in the frame buffer of the RAM 153 to the display device 22 at a predetermined timing (timing of the vertical synchronization signal V_SYNC and the horizontal synchronization signal H_SYNC).

  Here, as the frame buffer, a plurality of frame buffers are set in predetermined storage areas of the RAM 153, respectively, and the CPU 151 can also superimpose (overlay) an arbitrary image for output.

  An oscillator (not shown) that supplies a clock signal is connected to the CPU 151. The clock signal generated by the oscillator defines the operation cycle of the CPU 151, and a vertical synchronization signal (V_SYNC) and a horizontal synchronization signal (H_SYNC) are generated based on the clock signal output from the oscillator, and the timing is supplied to the display device 22. Output as a signal.

  The communication I / F 154 that connects the effect control device 150 and the game control device 100 is provided with a buffer that is a signal transmission direction restricting means. Therefore, in the communication between the game control device 100 and the effect control device 150, only signal input from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 150 is permitted, and signal output from the effect control device 150 to the game control device 100 is not allowed. prohibited. Thereby, it is possible to prevent an illegal signal from being input from the effect control device 150 to the game control device 100. In addition, when performing bidirectional communication between the game control device 100 and the effect control device 150, a bidirectional buffer may be used as a buffer.

  The display device 22, various LED boards 160, and the speaker 18 are connected to the output I / F 155 constituting the effect control device 150.

  Based on the sound control command signal from the effect control device 150, the speaker 18 outputs music played during the game, game sound effects, and the like.

  The display device 22 displays an image corresponding to the image display signal in the display area based on the image display signal from the effect control device 150.

  Various LED boards 160 control various LEDs of the decoration light emitting device 3 provided on the front frame 2 and the decoration device 67 in the game area 11 based on the decoration control command signal from the effect control device 150.

  Note that the speaker 18 and the various LED boards 160 may be directly connected to the game control device 100 without being connected to the effect control device 150.

  An effect button 119 is connected to the input I / F 156 constituting the effect control device 150. The effect button 119 is a button that is operated when a variable display game is started by the player. The effect button 119 is provided on the upper part of the upper plate 16 shown in FIG.

  Processing executed by the game control device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the main process of game control according to the embodiment of the present invention. The main process is executed by the microprocessor 101 of the game control device 100 when the gaming machine 1 is powered on or the power failure is restored.

  FIG. 3A is a flowchart of the first half of the main process of game control according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3B is a flowchart of the second half of the main process of game control according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the game control device 100 prohibits an interrupt performed at a predetermined time period (for example, 1 millisecond period) (301).

  The game control device 100 sets an interrupt vector indicating an address on the RAM 103 to be accessed in order to execute an interrupt process executed when there is an interrupt (302), and sets a stack pointer (303). Then, the game control device 100 sets each interrupt mode (304) and permits access to the RAM 103 (305). Next, the game control device 100 sets all output ports to OFF (306).

  Next, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the clear switch 117 is ON (307). The clear switch 117 is a switch for initializing the gaming machine 1. When the clear switch 117 is turned ON, the data stored in the RAM 103 is cleared.

  If it is determined in step 307 that the clear switch 117 is ON, the game control device 100 clears the data stored in the RAM 103 to be used (308).

  Then, the game control device 100 sets an initial value when power is turned on in the RAM 103 (309). The initial value when the power is turned on is a predetermined value.

  Next, the game control device 100 executes a power-on command editing process for causing the effect control device 150 to set a symbol displayed on the display 32 when the power is turned on. Details of the power-on command editing process will be described with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step 307 that the clear switch 117 is not ON, the game control device 100 refers to the power failure inspection area (311).

  Specifically, the power outage inspection area is a specific area of the RAM 103 and stores an outage flag indicating that a power outage has occurred.

  Then, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the power failure is restored when the power failure is restored by determining whether or not the power failure flag is stored in the power failure inspection area referred to in the processing of step 311 (312). ).

  If it is determined in step 312 that the power is not turned on at the time of power failure recovery, the process proceeds to step 308 to initialize the gaming machine 1.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 312 that the power failure has been restored, that is, if a power failure flag is stored in the power failure inspection area, the game control device 100 has corrupted data stored in the RAM 103. In order to determine whether or not the checksum is correct, it is determined whether or not the checksum is normal (313). Specifically, in the event of a power failure, the game control apparatus 100 determines whether or not the data checksum stored in the RAM 103 matches the data checksum currently stored in the RAM 103.

  If it is determined in step 313 that the checksum is abnormal, the data stored in the RAM 103 is corrupted and the data stored in the RAM 103 when a power failure occurs cannot be taken over. In order to initialize the machine 1, the process proceeds to step 308 to execute a power-on process.

If it is determined in step 313 that the checksum is normal, the RAM 103
Since the data stored in is normal and the power failure recovery process can be executed, the initial value at the time of power failure recovery is set in the RAM 103 (314).

  Next, the game control device 100 erases the data stored in the area for displaying the display 32 that displays each gaming state, and erases the display content of the display 32 (315).

  And the game control apparatus 100 performs a power failure recovery command edit process (316). Details of the power failure recovery command editing process will be described with reference to FIG.

  Next, the game control state determines whether or not the probability state when the power failure occurs is a low probability state (317).

  If it is determined in step 317 that the state is a low probability state, the process proceeds to step 319 shown in FIG. 3B.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the process of step 317 that the state is not in the low probability state, that is, in the probability variation state, the game control device 100 is in order to notify the player that the state is in the probability variation state. The probability display data is set in the RAM 103, and the process proceeds to step 319 shown in FIG. 3B.

  Next, the game control device 100 activates an interrupt timer that performs timer interrupt at a predetermined time period (for example, 1 millisecond period) (319). Then, interrupt prohibition is set (320).

  Next, initial value random number update processing is executed (321). Specifically, the initial value random number update process includes an initial value of a jackpot random number for determining whether or not a special figure fluctuation display game is won, and a hit for determining whether or not a normal figure fluctuation display game is won. This is a process for updating the initial value of the random number. That is, in the process executed by the game control device 100, when a game ball wins the normal symbol start gate 26 or the start winning opening 24, a lottery for deriving a corresponding game result mode is performed, Based on the lottery result, some random number processing is performed to add randomness to the effect or decoration when the variable display game is advanced. As an example of these random number processes, the value of the counter is incremented by 1 in a predetermined time period (for example, 1 millisecond period) between 0 and 316, and returned to 0 again when the value exceeds 316 There is. This random number value update processing corresponds to the random number update processing 1 of step 604 shown in FIG.

  As the counter value, the random number value at that time is extracted when the game control device 100 detects the above-described winning of a game ball or the like. However, although it is a random number, it is a counter extracted at a cycle of 317 milliseconds, and is merely a random number using randomness of timing extracted as a random value. Therefore, regularity as a counter is eliminated by updating the initial value of the counter value in the initial value random number update process.

  In the above-described example, the counter value is not updated by adding a predetermined value (for example, 1) every time, but every time the value obtained by the initial value random number update process is updated in one cycle, the initial value of the counter value is updated. As a value, a new value obtained by the initial value random number update process is set as the initial value of the next counter. Since the random number update period in the initial value random number update process is shorter than the random number update period in the random number update process 1 in step 604, estimation of the counter value from the outside can be made difficult.

  Next, the game control device 100 performs a process of setting permission of the interrupt that has been prohibited (322).

  Then, the game control device 100 refers to the power failure inspection area (323) and determines whether or not a power failure has occurred (324). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the voltage supplied to the gaming machine 1 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, and when it is equal to or lower than the predetermined value, it is determined that a power failure has occurred.

  If it is determined in step 324 that a power failure has occurred, the processes in steps 325 to 330 are performed during a power failure.

  First, the game control device 100 sets the interrupt prohibition (325), and sets all output ports to OFF (326).

  The game control device 100 deletes the data stored in the power failure inspection area (327), and stores a power failure flag indicating that a power failure has occurred in the power failure inspection area (328).

  The game control device 100 is. Before the RAM 103 is turned off, the checksum of the data stored in the RAM 103 is calculated, and the calculated checksum value is stored (329).

  Then, the game control device 100 prohibits access to the RAM 103 (330), and waits until the gaming machine 1 is turned off. In addition, since the backup power supply is connected to the game control apparatus 100, even if a power failure occurs, the power supply is not immediately turned off.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 324 that a power failure has not occurred, the power failure process is not executed, and the process returns to step 320.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the power failure recovery command editing process according to the embodiment of the present invention. The power failure recovery command editing process is executed by the microprocessor 101 of the game control device 100.

  First, the game control device 100 stores a model / symbol designation command in the transmission buffer in order to transmit it to the effect control device 150 (401). The model / symbol designation command includes model designation information indicating the model of the gaming machine 1 and stop symbol designation information indicating a symbol to be stopped in the variable display game. The models indicated by the model designation information are the same type of gaming machines, and the gaming machines having different jackpot probabilities and the like are also different models. The model / symbol designation command will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  In addition, the stop symbol designation information set in the RAM 103 when a power failure occurs is stored in the stop symbol designation information of the model / design symbol designation command in the process of step 401.

  Next, the game control apparatus 100 stores the probability state command in the transmission buffer in order to transmit it to the effect control apparatus 150 (402). The probability state command is a command indicating whether the gaming state is a probability variation state or a low probability state. In the process of step 402, the probability state command stored in the transmission buffer stores the probability information of the gaming state set in the RAM 103 when a power failure occurs.

  Next, the game control device 100 determines whether or not a customer waiting demo command is set in the RAM 103 when a power failure occurs (403). The customer waiting demo command is set when the variable display game is not being played and there is no special figure hold memory. The customer waiting demo command is a command for causing the effect control device 150 to display a customer waiting demo on the display device 22.

  If it is determined in step 403 that the customer waiting demo command is set in the RAM 103 when the power is turned off, the game control device 100 transmits the customer waiting demo command to the effect control device 150. Store in the buffer (404).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 403 that the waiting customer demo command has not been set in the RAM 103 when the power is turned off, the gaming machine 1 before the occurrence of the power failure was executing the variable display game. There is a variable display game to be executed from now on.

  Therefore, when there is a special figure hold memory, the game control apparatus 100 outputs a special figure hold memory number command indicating the number of special figure hold memories set in the RAM 103 when a power failure occurs. Is stored in the command transmission buffer (405). The special figure hold memory number command is a command for causing the display 32 to display the special figure hold number indicated in the special figure hold command received by the effect control device 150.

The game control device 100 stores the power failure recovery command in the command transmission buffer to transmit the power failure recovery command to the effect control device 150 (406), and ends the power failure recovery command editing process.
The power failure recovery command is a command that causes the production control device 150 to execute a power failure recovery process. The power failure recovery process is a process of displaying a symbol on the display device 22 when the power failure is recovered, and the details will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the power-on command editing process according to the embodiment of the present invention. The power-on command editing process is executed by the microprocessor 101 of the game control device 100 when the gaming machine 1 is initialized. The power-on command editing process is a process of storing a command necessary for initializing the gaming machine 1 in the transmission buffer in order to transmit the command to the effect control device 150.

  The case where the gaming machine 1 is initialized is when the clear switch 117 is determined to be ON in the process of step 307 shown in FIG. 3A, or when it is determined that the power failure is not restored in the process of step 312 (gaming machine) 1 when the power is turned on 1) and when the checksum is determined to be abnormal in the process of step 313 (when the data stored in the RAM 103 when the power is turned off cannot be taken over).

  First, the game control device 100 stores a model / symbol designation command in the transmission buffer in order to transmit it to the effect control device 150 (501). Note that the symbol designating information of the model / symbol designating command stored in the transmission buffer in the process of step 501 stores a symbol preset for each model.

  As a result, when the gaming machine 1 is initialized, a different symbol for each model is displayed on the display device 22, so that the model of the gaming machine 1 can be obtained simply by looking at the symbol displayed on the display device 22. Can be grasped.

  Next, the game control device 100 displays the symbols in the initial state on the display 32 and stores the power-on command for notifying that the power has been turned on to the effect control device 150 for storage in the transmission buffer (502) ), The power-on command editing process is terminated.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The timer interrupt process is executed by the microprocessor 101 of the game control device 100 by an interrupt issued at a predetermined time period.

  When the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the game control main process is executed. When a timer interrupt is generated at a predetermined time period (for example, 1 millisecond period) by the interrupt timer activated in the process of step 319, the timer interrupt process is repeatedly executed. However, these processes (steps 601 to 615) are not necessarily performed every time an interrupt occurs. For example, in the input / output process (602), the input signal is monitored every time, but the output process may be executed every other occurrence of an interrupt. That is, instead of completing all the processes in one interrupt process, the interrupt process may be repeatedly executed a plurality of times to complete a series of game control processes.

  First, the game control device 100 executes a register saving process (601).

  Thereafter, input / output processing is executed (602). The input / output process includes an input process and an output process. The input process is a process of determining input information by performing a process such as chattering removal on signals from various sensors and switches input via the input I / F 104.

  In the output process, data related to game control is output to the external terminal board 125 via the output I / F 105, and the data is output to the display device 22, the various LED boards 160 and the speaker 18. In this output process, the display 32 including the special figure display 120 and the general figure display 121 is set based on the parameters set in the special figure game process (609) and the general figure game process (610). Parameter is output.

  As described above, the input process and the output process do not have to be executed simultaneously with a single timer interrupt.

  Next, command transmission processing for outputting a command to the effect control device 150 or outputting a prize ball command signal to the discharge control device 124 is performed (603).

  Thereafter, in order to add randomness to the jackpot random number and the hit random number, the jackpot random number counter and the random number update process 1 for adding the value of the hit random number counter one by one are performed (604).

  In addition, in this random number update process 1, 1 is also added to the value of the jackpot symbol random number counter that determines the stop symbol.

  Next, initial value random number update processing is executed (605). The initial value random number update process in step S25 is the same as the initial value random number update process in step 321 shown in FIG.

  Then, a random number update process 2 for incrementing the value of the variation pattern random number counter for imparting randomness to the effects or decorations (variation patterns, stop symbols, etc.) when the special figure variation display game is advanced is performed (606). .

  Next, in order to monitor whether or not a game ball has won a prize at each prize opening, a prize opening monitoring process is performed (607).

  Specifically, the presence / absence of input from the start port sensor 110, the winning port sensor 111, the gate sensor 112, the count sensor 113, etc. is detected, and according to the results, the special symbol winning memory, the normal symbol winning memory, and the big winning gate are entered. The monitoring process of the switch for updating the winning count number or the like is performed. At this time, if a game ball is detected by the start port sensor 110, a special figure random number counter value (random number relating to the result mode of the special figure fluctuation display game) is stored in the special figure storage area, and the game sensor 112 detects the game ball. If there is, the usual random number counter value (random number related to the result mode of the usual figure fluctuation display game) is stored in the usual figure storage area.

  Thereafter, an error monitoring process is performed to monitor the clogging of the discharged balls and abnormalities of various switches and sensors (608).

  Thereafter, special game processing (609) and general game processing (610) for controlling the progress of the variable display game are performed.

  In the special symbol game process (609), a special symbol random number counter value (Step 607) extracted based on the winning of the game ball to the starting winning port 24 detected by the starting port sensor 110 and stored in the special symbol starting memory. It is determined whether or not the random number related to the result form of the special figure variation display game extracted and stored in the above process is hit, and the special figure display device 120 executes the special figure variation display game. Note that the special chart start memory stores the start memory when a game ball wins the start winning opening 24 in a state where the variable display game cannot be immediately executed.

  In addition, the display device 22 is subjected to processing for the variable display of the identification information (decorative symbol) corresponding to the display on the special figure indicator 120. If the special figure random number counter value is a predetermined value, it becomes a hit state related to the special symbol, and the variation display of the identification information stops at the hit symbol. In addition, when the winning state is reached, an open state in which the game ball is easily received in the special winning opening 25 is obtained. The special figure game process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The normal game process (610) is extracted based on the passing of the game ball to the normal symbol start gate 26 detected by the gate sensor 112, and is stored in the normal symbol random number counter value (in step 607). It is determined whether or not the random number related to the result mode of the normal variation display game extracted / stored in the process is successful, and the normal symbol variation display game is executed by the general symbol display 121. If the common random number counter value is a predetermined value, a hit state related to the normal figure is entered, and a parameter is set for stopping the fluctuation display of the normal symbol in the win state.

  Thereafter, a process for editing parameters to be output to the LEDs of the special map display 120 and the general map display 121 is performed (611).

  Specifically, in the special figure game process, when the special figure fluctuation display game is executed, the special symbol winning memory number obtained by subtracting the number of executions of the special figure fluctuation display game executed this time from the game control device 100 is displayed. Edit the parameters to be output to the LED of the display 120.

  Similarly, in the normal game process, when the normal symbol fluctuation display game is executed on the normal symbol display device 121, the number of executions of the normal symbol variable display game executed this time is reduced, and the number of normal symbol winning memory is reduced by game control. Edit the parameters to be output from the device 100 to the LED of the general-purpose display 121.

  Thereafter, external information editing processing for editing external information for outputting the state of the gaming machine 1 to the management computer connected via the external terminal board 125 is performed (612). The external information includes information related to the progress state of the variable display game, such as whether the symbol is confirmed, whether it is a big hit, whether the probability is changing, or whether the changing time is being shortened.

  Next, the end of the timer interrupt process is declared (613).

  Thereafter, the process of restoring the temporarily saved register (614) and the process of setting permission of the interrupt that has been prohibited are performed (615). Then, the timer interrupt process is terminated, and the process returns to the main process (FIG. 3). The initial value random number update process (the process of step 321 in FIG. 3B) is repeated until the next timer interrupt occurs.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the special game process (the process of step 609 in FIG. 6) according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is executed by the microprocessor 101 of the game control device 100.

  First, the game control device 100 determines whether or not a game ball has won the start opening 24 (701). At this time, if a game ball is detected by the start port sensor 110, a special figure random number counter value (random number relating to a result mode of the special figure variation display game) is stored in the special figure storage area.

  If it is determined that no game ball has been won at the start port 24, the process proceeds to step 708.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that a game ball has won the start opening 24, the number of reserved memories is acquired (702).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the acquired reserved storage number is 4 or more (703). If the acquired number of reserved memories is 4 or more, the process proceeds to step S708.

  On the other hand, when the acquired special symbol winning memory number is less than 4, 1 is added to the reserved memory number (S704). That is, the current winning is added to the number of reserved memories.

  Next, the jackpot random number counter value updated in the random number update process 1 (the process of step 604) is acquired, and the acquired jackpot random number counter value is stored in the jackpot random number storage area of the special winning memory number corresponding to the current winning prize. (705).

  Next, the jackpot symbol random number counter value updated in the random number update process 1 (the processing of step 604) is acquired, and the jackpot symbol random number counter value acquired in the jackpot symbol random number storage area of the reserved storage number corresponding to the current winning is obtained. It is memorized (706).

  Thereafter, a reserved memory number command for displaying the reserved memory number on the display device 22 is set in the transmission buffer (707).

  Next, a special figure game process number indicating the progress state of the special figure game is acquired (708). The special figure game process number indicates the progress state of the special figure game in eight stages from 0 to 7. The special figure game process number will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Then, a special figure game branching process corresponding to the special figure game process number acquired in the process of step 708 is executed (709). Specifically, the special figure game branching process determines whether or not the jackpot random number counter value acquired in the process of S705 is a predetermined value, and if it is a predetermined value, it becomes a hit state related to a special symbol, When the variation display of the identification information is stopped at the winning symbol and the big winning state is reached, the normal variation winning device 23 is opened, and the game ball is placed in an open state that is easy to accept. The special game branch process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Thereafter, the special figure variation control process is executed (710), and the special figure game process is terminated.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the special figure game branching process according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, it is determined whether or not the special figure game process number is 0 (801).

  If the special figure game process number is not 0, the process proceeds to step 803. On the other hand, if the special figure game process number is 0, a special figure routine process is executed (802). In the special figure normal processing, when there is a reserved memory, preparation for variably displaying symbols is made before the special figure game is started. This is a process of storing in the transmission buffer for transmission to the network. Details of the special figure routine processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special figure game process number is 1 (803).

  If the special figure game process number is not 1, the process proceeds to step 805. On the other hand, if the special figure game process number is 1, special figure change start process 2 is executed (804). The special symbol change start process 2 is a process of determining the symbol designation information of the model / symbol designation command and deciding the variation pattern designation command for instructing how the symbols and the like are variably displayed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special figure game process number is 2 (805).

  If the special figure game process number is not 2, the process proceeds to step 807. On the other hand, when the special figure game process number is 2, the special figure changing process is executed (806). The special-fluctuation changing process is a process of variably displaying symbols according to the fluctuation pattern determined in the special-figure fluctuation start process 2 (804).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special figure game process number is 3 (807).

  When the special figure game process number is not 3, the process proceeds to step 809. On the other hand, when the special figure game process number is 3, the special figure display process is executed (808). The special figure displaying process is a process of displaying the variation display result of the identification information for a predetermined time. For example, the fixed time is 1 second to 2 seconds. In the special figure display process, the game control device 100 transmits a probability state command indicating whether the game state after the variation display is a probability variation state or a low probability state to the effect control device 150. Store in buffer command.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special figure game process number is 4 (809).

  If the special figure game process number is not 4, the process proceeds to step 811. If the special figure game process number is 4, the fanfare / interval process is executed (810). The fanfare / interval process is a fanfare process in which a fanfare sound or the like is output from the speaker 18 in the case of a big hit, and an interval process in which the big prize opening 25 is closed during the big win.

  In the fanfare process, the game control device 100 stores an output command for outputting a fanfare sound in the transmission buffer for transmission to the effect control device 150. In the interval process, the game control device 100 stores an interval command for causing the display device 22 to display that it is an interval period during which the big winning opening 25 is closed during the jackpot, in the transmission buffer for transmission to the effect control device 150. .

  In the fanfare process and the interval process, the game control device 100 stores a jackpot symbol designation command for designating a stop symbol in the case of a jackpot in the transmission buffer in order to transmit to the effect control device 150.

  If the game is not a big hit, the game control apparatus 100 does not execute the fanfare / interval process and returns to the special figure routine process (802). Specifically, if it is not a big hit, the special figure game process number is set to zero. In the case of a big hit, the special game process number is set to 5 after the fanfare / interval process.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special figure game process number is 5 (811).

  If the special figure game process number is not 5, the process proceeds to step 813. On the other hand, when the special figure game process number is 5, a special winning opening opening process is executed (812). The process during opening of the big winning opening is a process of opening the big winning opening 25 so that the game winning ball 25 can be easily received in the open state and starting a round. In the special winning opening opening process, the game control device 100 stores a round number command for displaying the current round number on the display device 22 in the transmission buffer in order to transmit to the effect control device 150. The special game process number is set to 6 after the special winning opening opening process is executed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special figure game process number is 6 (813).

  If the special figure game process number is not 6, the process proceeds to step 815. On the other hand, if the special figure game process number is 6, the winning prize remaining ball process is executed (814). The winning ball remaining ball processing is to cause the game balls remaining in the winning port 25 to flow down when the large winning port opening process (812) is completed, the large winning port 25 is closed, and the normal state is restored. In addition, the process waits for a certain time. For example, the fixed time is 1.5 seconds. Note that the special figure game process number is set to 7 after executing the winning ball remaining ball process.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special figure game process number is 7 (815).

  If the special figure game process number is not 7, the special figure game branching process is terminated. On the other hand, if the special figure game process number is 7, a big hit end process is executed (816), and the special figure game branch process is terminated. The jackpot end process is a process for preparing for executing the special figure routine process (802). In the jackpot end process, the game control device 100 stores a command for causing the display device 22 to display an ending indicating that the jackpot state has ended in the transmission buffer in order to transmit to the effect control device 150.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of special figure routine processing according to the embodiment of the present invention. The special figure routine processing is executed by the microprocessor 101 of the game control apparatus 100.

  First, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved memories is 0 (901).

  If the number of reserved memories is not 0, that is, if there is a number of reserved memories, special figure variation start processing 1 is executed (902). The special figure variation start process 1 is a process for determining whether or not a big hit and determining a stop symbol and a variation pattern. The special figure variation start process 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  Next, symbol variation start information is stored (903), and the special figure routine processing is terminated. The variation start information of the identification information includes a stop symbol, a variation pattern, and a special figure game process number.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 901 that the number of reserved memories is zero, that is, if there is no number of reserved memories, it is determined whether or not a customer waiting demo command is stored in the transmission buffer (904). . The customer waiting demo command is a command for causing the display device 22 to display a customer waiting demo.

  If the customer waiting demo command is stored in the transmission buffer, the special figure routine processing is terminated. On the other hand, if the customer waiting demo command is not stored in the transmission buffer, the customer waiting demo command is set, and the special figure routine processing is terminated.

  When receiving the customer waiting demo command, the effect control device 150 displays the customer waiting demo on the display device 22 after a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart of special figure variation start processing 1 according to the embodiment of this invention. The special figure change start process 1 is executed by the microprocessor 101 of the game control apparatus 100.

  First, a jackpot flag setting process is executed (1001). The jackpot flag setting process is a process of setting a jackpot flag when the jackpot random number acquired in the process of step S505 is a jackpot. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the jackpot random number obtained in step 705 is a predetermined value. If the jackpot random number is a predetermined value, it is determined to be a jackpot, and if the jackpot random number is not a predetermined value, it is determined to be a loss.

  Next, a special figure stop symbol setting process is executed (1002). The special figure stop symbol setting process is a process of setting a stop symbol corresponding to the jackpot symbol random number acquired in the process of step 706. And the symbol data corresponding to the set stop symbol is set.

  Next, a variation pattern setting process is executed (1003). The variation pattern setting process is a process of setting a symbol variation pattern.

  Thereafter, the special figure game process number is set to 1 (1004), and the special figure change start process 1 is terminated.

  Various commands 1100 transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 150 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of various commands 1100 transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 150 according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The command 1100 includes a MODE unit 1101 and an ACTION unit 1102.

  The MODE section 1101 stores command type information. Specific types of commands include a special-figure game system relating to a fluctuation display game, a fluctuation pattern system for determining a symbol fluctuation pattern, and a symbol system relating to a stop symbol. The ACTION unit 1102 stores instruction contents to the effect control device 150.

  The data size of the MODE unit 1101 is 1 byte, the data size of the ACTION unit is 1 byte, and the data size of the command 1100 is 2 bytes.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a table for explaining various commands 1100 transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 150 according to the embodiment of this invention.

  This table includes a type 1201, instruction content 1202, and setting timing 1203.

  In the type 1201, various types stored in the MODE part 1101 of each command are registered. In the instruction content 1202, the instruction content stored in the ACTION section 1102 of each command is registered. In the setting timing 1203, the timing at which each command is stored in the transmission buffer and transmitted to the effect control device 150 is registered.

  The special-game game commands will be described in order.

  The special figure game system indicates the type of command related to the variable display game. The special game system instruction content 1202 includes a customer waiting demo command, a fanfare command, a round number command, an interval command, and a jackpot end operation command.

  The customer waiting demo command is a command for causing the effect control device 150 to display a customer waiting demo on the display device 22. The customer waiting demo command setting timing 1203 is when there is no pending storage (the processing of step 903 shown in FIG. 9).

  The fanfare command is a command for causing the effect control device 150 to output a fanfare display or a fanfare sound. The fanfare command setting timing 1203 is when a jackpot state occurs (the processing in step 810 shown in FIG. 8).

  The round number command is a command for causing the display control device 150 to display the current round number that is a big hit on the display device 22. The round command setting timing 1203 is when the interval ends during the jackpot and a new round starts (the process in step 812 shown in FIG. 8).

  The interval command is a command for causing the effect control device 150 to display the big hit interval period on the display device 22. The interval command setting timing 1203 is when the jackpot interval is started (the processing in step 810 shown in FIG. 8).

  The jackpot end operation command is a command for causing the display control device 150 to display an ending indicating that the jackpot state has ended. The jackpot end operation command setting timing 1203 is when the jackpot state ends (the process of step 816 shown in FIG. 8).

  Next, the fluctuation pattern commands will be described.

  The variation pattern system is a command related to the variation pattern of the variation display game. The variation pattern type instruction content 1202 includes a variation pattern command command.

  The variation pattern command command is a command for designating a variation pattern of the variation display game. The variation pattern command command setting timing 1203 is at the start of the variation display game (the process of step 804 shown in FIG. 8).

  Next, a symbol designating command will be described.

  The designation content 1202 of the symbol designation system includes a model / design designation command and a jackpot symbol designation command.

  The model / symbol designation command includes model designation information indicating the model of the gaming machine 1 and stop symbol designation information for designating a stop symbol. The model / design designation command setting timing 1203 is set when the power is turned on (step 501 shown in FIG. 5), when the power is restored (step 401 shown in FIG. 4), and when the variable display game starts. Time (processing in step 804 shown in FIG. 8). The model / symbol designation command will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  The jackpot symbol designation command is a command for designating a stop symbol during the jackpot. The jackpot symbol designating command setting timing 1203 is when the jackpot starts (step 810 shown in FIG. 8) and when a new round starts (step 812 shown in FIG. 8).

  Next, commands of the probability information system will be described.

  The instruction content 1202 of the probability information system includes a probability state command, a short-time function non-operation command, a short-time function operation command, and a high probability + short-time function non-operation command. The setting timing 1203 of the time-short function non-operation command, the time-short function operation command, and the high probability + time-short function non-operation command is all at the start of the variable display game.

  The probability state command is a command indicating whether the gaming state is a probability variation state or a low probability state. The probability state command is set when the power is turned on (step 501 shown in FIG. 5), when the power is restored (step 402 shown in FIG. 4), and when the jackpot ends (FIG. 8). Step 816 shown in FIG.

  The short-time function non-operation command is a command that causes the display control device 150 to display a screen indicating that the effect control device 150 is not in the short-time mode.

  The time reduction function operation command is a command for causing the display control device 150 to display a screen indicating that the time reduction mode is in effect.

  The high probability + time-short function non-operation command is a command for causing the display device 22 to display a screen indicating that the effect control device 150 is in a high-probability state and is not in the time-short mode.

  Next, model specification commands will be described.

  The instruction content 1202 of the model specification type command includes a pending storage number command.

  The reserved memory number command is a command for causing the effect control device 150 to display the reserved memory number on the display device 22. The reserved memory count command setting timing 1203 is when the reserved memory count is updated (the process of step 707 shown in FIG. 7).

  Next, initialization commands will be described.

  The initialization-related command is a command related to the initial setting of the gaming machine 1. The instruction content 1202 of the initialization command includes a power-on command and a power failure recovery command.

  The power-on command is a command for causing the effect control device 150 to display the symbols in the initial state on the display device 22 and notifying that the power has been turned on. The power-on command setting timing 1203 is when the power is turned on (step 502 shown in FIG. 5).

  The power failure recovery command is a command for causing the effect control device 150 to display the symbols displayed on the display device 22 when the power failure is recovered. The power failure recovery command setting timing 1203 is when the power failure is recovered (step 406 shown in FIG. 4).

  Next, error notification commands will be described.

  The error notification command is a command related to an error of the gaming machine 1.

  The instruction content 1202 of the error notification command includes an error designation command and an error end designation command.

  The error designation command is a command for informing the effect control device 150 that an error has occurred. As an error notification method by the effect control device 150, an error may be displayed on the display device 22, or a warning sound indicating that an error has occurred may be output from the speaker 18. The setting timing 1203 of the error designation command is when the occurrence of an error is detected.

  The error end designation command is a command for informing the effect control device 150 that the error has ended. As an error end notification method by the production control device 150, an error occurrence screen indicating that the error has ended may be displayed on the display device 22, or a sound indicating that the error has ended is output from the speaker 18. Also good. As another error completion notification method, the display of the error occurrence screen may be stopped, or the warning sound output may be stopped.

  The error termination designation command setting timing 1203 is when the occurrence of an error is canceled.

  The model / design designation command will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a model / symbol designation command according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The model / design designation command includes a MODE unit 1101 and an ACTION unit 1102.

  The size of the area that can store the type information of the MODE unit 1101 is 8 bits. The ACTION unit 1102 stores model designation information and symbol designation information. The size of the area that can store the model designation information of the ACTION unit 1102 is 4 bits, and the size of the area that can store the symbol designation information is 4 bits.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a model / symbol designation command according to the embodiment of this invention.

  Here, a model / symbol designation command transmitted by the game control apparatus 100 of the A-1, A-2, and A-3 models will be described.

  The A-1 model, the A-2 model, and the A-3 model are the same A series gaming machines, and are models with different jackpot probabilities.

  Since the model / design designation command is 2 bytes, it is represented by a 4-digit hexadecimal number.

  The first two digits of the 4-digit hexadecimal model / symbol designation command indicate the MODE portion 1101, and “90” indicates that the model / symbol designation command is a symbol designation system.

  The first third digit of the model / symbol designation command indicates model designation information, “0” indicates A-1 model, “1” indicates A-2 model, and “2” indicates A -3 indicates that it is a model.

  The first 4 digits of the model / symbol designation command indicate the symbol designation information, “1” indicates that the stop symbol is a missing symbol, “2” indicates that the stop symbol is a winning symbol, and “3”. Indicates that the stop symbol is a symbol per probability change.

  Processing executed by the effect control device 150 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 15 is a state transition diagram of the effect control device 150 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  When the production control device 150 is energized and the production control device 150 is powered on, the state changes to a first command input standby state in which the command input is waited (1501).

  When a power-on command is input in the first command input standby state, the effect control device 150 transitions the state to a RAM initialization process (1502). In the RAM initialization process, the effect control device 150 initializes the RAM 153 and executes a power-on process (see FIG. 21).

  On the other hand, when the power failure recovery command is input in the first command input standby state, the effect control device 150 makes a transition to the state during power failure recovery (1503). During a power failure recovery, the production control device 150 executes a power failure recovery process (see FIG. 22).

  Then, after executing the power-on processing and the power failure recovery processing, the effect control device 150 transitions to the second command input standby state (1504).

  In the second command input standby state, the production control device 150 waits for input of each command, and transitions to a state corresponding to the input command.

  First, a case where a customer waiting demo command is input will be described.

  When the customer waiting demonstration command is input in the second command input waiting state, the effect control device 150 changes the state while waiting for the customer (1505). While waiting for a customer, the production control device 150 determines whether another command has been input for a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes). When another command is input during the predetermined time, the effect control device 150 shifts to a state corresponding to the input other command.

  On the other hand, if no other command is input during the predetermined time, the production control device 150 transitions the state to the customer waiting demonstration (1506). During the customer waiting demonstration, the effect control device 150 displays the customer waiting demonstration on the display device 22.

  Next, a case where a jackpot end operation command is input will be described.

  When the jackpot ending operation command is input in the second command input standby state, the effect control device 150 changes the state to ending (1507). During the ending, the production control device 150 displays an ending screen indicating that the jackpot has ended on the display device 22.

  Next, a case where an interval command is input will be described.

  When the interval command is input in the second command input standby state, the effect control device 150 changes the state during the interval (1508). During the interval, the production control device 150 displays on the display device 22 that it is an interval period during which the big prize opening 25 is closed during the big hit.

  Next, a case where a round number command is input will be described.

  When the round number command is input in the second command input standby state, the effect control device 150 changes the state into a round (1509). During the round, the effect control device 150 displays the current number of rounds on the display device 22.

  Next, a case where a fanfare command is input will be described.

  When the fanfare command is input in the second command input standby state, the effect control device 150 changes the state into the fanfare (1510). During the fanfare, the effect control device 150 outputs a fanfare sound from the speaker 18.

  Next, a case where a change start command is input will be described.

  The variation start command is a model / design designation command and a variation pattern command.

  When the variation start command is input in the second command input standby state, the effect control device 150 changes the state to the symbol variation (1511). During the symbol variation, the effect control device 150 displays the symbol in a variable manner on the display device 22 during the variation time included in the variation pattern command.

  Then, when the variation time included in the variation pattern command has elapsed, the effect control device 150 transitions the state to the symbol determination (1512). During symbol determination, the effect control device 150 stops the symbol that has been variably displayed based on the symbol designation information of the model / symbol designation information.

  Next, a case where a power failure recovery command is input will be described.

  When a power failure recovery command is input in the second command input standby state, the effect control device 150 transitions to a state during power failure recovery (1503).

  Next, a case where a power-on command is input will be described.

  When a power-on command is input in the second command input standby state, the effect control device 150 changes the state to a RAM initialization process (1502).

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart of main processing according to the embodiment of the present invention. The main process is executed by the CPU 151 of the effect control device 150.

  First, the effect control device 150 executes an initialization process for setting a preset initial value in the RAM 153 (1601), and executes a timer start process for starting a timer for generating an interrupt at a predetermined time period ( 1602).

  Next, the effect control device 150 executes frame switch information acquisition processing for acquiring frame switch information (1603). The frame switch information is input from the glass frame opening sensor 114, the inner frame opening sensor 115, and the effect button 119.

  The frame switch information acquisition processing is processing for removing the chattering from the frame switch information input in step 1701 shown in FIG. 17 and determining the information.

  In addition, when the effect control device 150 detects an input from the effect button 119, the effect control device 150 displays a screen corresponding to the operation of the effect button on the display device 22.

  Next, the effect control device 150 executes a command analysis process for analyzing the command input to the effect control device 150 (1604). In the command analysis process, the effect control device 150 determines which command is the command input to the effect control device 150, and distributes information on the determined command into an information command and a status command, and various commands Information is stored in the RAM 103.

  Specifically, the information-related commands are a model / design designation command, a probability state command, and a pending storage number command. Status commands include power-on command, power failure recovery command, customer waiting demo command, variation display start command (model / design designation command and variation pattern command), fanfare command, round number command, interval command, and jackpot end operation command It is.

  Next, when the input command is an information command, the effect control device 150 executes information command update processing (1605). Details of the information-related command update processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the input command is a status command, the effect control device 150 executes a status update process for setting a flag or the like corresponding to each command (1606). The status update process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The effect control device 150 executes a game management process for executing a process corresponding to the flag set in the process of step 1606 (1607).

  The effect control device 150 generates display data to be displayed on the display device 22, and executes display control processing for displaying the generated display data on the display device 22 (1608).

  The effect control device 150 generates sound data output from the speaker 18 and executes sound control processing for outputting the generated sound data (1609).

  The effect control device 150 controls the various LED boards 160 and executes a decoration control process for lighting (or blinking) the various LEDs (1610).

  The effect control device 150 executes an error notification process for notifying an error when an error designation command is input (1611).

  And the production | presentation control apparatus 150 performs a random number update process (1612), and returns to the process of step 1603. In the random number update process, the effect control device 150 determines a specific symbol to be stopped based on the symbol (big hit symbol, normal symbol or probability variable symbol) designated by the symbol designation information of the model / symbol designation command. The random number used for the purpose is updated.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart of interrupt processing according to the embodiment of this invention. The interrupt process is executed by the CPU 151 of the effect control device 150. The interrupt process is executed based on an interrupt signal repeatedly output at a predetermined cycle.

  First, the effect control device 150 executes a frame switch input process (1701). In the frame switch input process, the effect control device 150 receives input from the glass frame opening sensor 114, the inner frame opening sensor 115, and the effect button 119.

  Next, the effect control device 150 executes command reception processing (1702), and ends the interrupt processing. In the command reception process, the effect control device 150 receives various commands.

  Next, the information system command data update process of the process of step 1605 shown in FIG. 16 will be described.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart of information-related command update processing according to the embodiment of this invention. The information system command update process is executed by the CPU 151 of the effect control device 150.

  First, the effect control device 150 determines whether or not model / design designation information exists in the input command (1801). Note that the model / symbol designation command is stored in the RAM 103 in the process of step 1604 and is therefore referred to as model / symbol designation information. The same is true for other commands.

  If it is determined in step 1801 that there is no model / design designation information in the input command, the process proceeds to step 1804.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1801 that the input command has model / symbol designation information, the effect control device 150 uses the model that matches the model included in the model designation information of the model / symbol designation information. A selection table is set (1802). Specifically, the production control device 150 stores a plurality of model selection tables corresponding to each model in the ROM 152, and selects a model selection table that matches the model included in the model designation information of the model / symbol designation information. Load to RAM 153.

  The model selection table is a table for determining a variation pattern corresponding to variation pattern information of variation start information and a stop symbol corresponding to symbol designation information. Details of the model selection table will be described with reference to FIG.

  Next, the production control device 150 selects a symbol corresponding to the symbol designation information of the model / symbol designation information from the model selection table set in the processing of Step 1802, and generates display data of the selected symbol. And set in the RAM 153 (1803).

  Next, the effect control device 150 determines whether or not the probability state information exists in the input command (1804).

  If it is determined in step 1804 that there is no probability state information in the input command, the process proceeds to step 1806.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in the processing of step 1804 that the probability state information exists in the input command, the probability state corresponding to the probability state information is stored in the RAM 153 (1805).

  Next, the effect control device 150 determines whether or not the pending storage number information exists in the input command (1806).

  If it is determined in step 1806 that there is no pending storage number information in the input command, the information command data processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in the processing of step 1806 that there is pending storage number information in the input command, the pending number corresponding to the pending storage number information is stored in the RAM 153 (1807), and the information command data processing is terminated. To do.

  Next, the status update process of step 1606 shown in FIG. 16 will be described.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart of status update processing according to the embodiment of this invention. The status update process is executed by the CPU 151 of the effect control device 150.

  First, the effect control device 150 determines whether there is power-on information in the input command (1901).

  When it is determined that there is power-on information in the input command, the effect control device 150 stores a power-on flag in the RAM 153 for executing a power-on process (FIG. 21) for notifying that the power has been turned on. Setting is performed (1902), and the process proceeds to step 1903.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no power-on information in the input command, the power-on process is not executed, and the process proceeds to step 1903 without setting the power-on flag.

  Next, the effect control device 150 determines whether or not power failure recovery information exists in the input command (1903).

  When it is determined that power failure recovery information exists in the input command, the production control device 150 sets a power failure recovery flag for executing the power failure recovery process (FIG. 22) (1904), and the process of step 1905 is performed. move on.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no power failure recovery information in the input command, the power failure recovery process is not executed, so the process proceeds to step 1905 without setting the power failure recovery flag.

  Next, the effect control device 150 determines whether customer waiting demo information exists in the input command (1905).

  When it is determined that there is customer waiting demo information in the input command, the production control device 150 sets the customer waiting demo process number as the process number in order to execute the customer waiting demo process processing (FIG. 23) ( 1906), the process proceeds to step 1907.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no customer waiting demo information in the input command, the production control device 150 does not execute the customer waiting demo process process, and therefore, without setting the customer waiting demo process number as the process number, Proceed to step 1907.

  Next, the effect control device 150 determines whether or not variable display start information exists in the input command (1907). The variation display start information is set when the model / design designation information and the variation pattern information are included in the result of analyzing the command in the processing of step 1604 shown in FIG.

  When it is determined that the variable display start information exists in the input command, the effect control device 150 sets the variable display process number as the process number in order to execute the variable display process (FIG. 24) (1908). The process proceeds to step 1909.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no variable display start information in the input command, the variable display process is not executed, and the process proceeds to step 1909 without setting the variable display process number as the process number.

  Next, the effect control device 150 determines whether or not fanfare information exists in the input command (1909).

  When it is determined that the fanfare information exists in the input command, the effect control device 150 sets the fanfare display process number as the process number in order to execute the fanfare display process process (1910). move on.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no fanfare information in the input command, the fanfare display process process (the process of step 2010 shown in FIG. 20) is not executed, so the fanfare display process number is not set as the process number. Proceed to step 1911.

  Next, the effect control device 150 determines whether round number information exists in the input command (1911).

  When it is determined that the round number information is present in the input command, the effect control device 150 adds the round number setting process to the process number in order to execute the round number setting process process (the process of step 2012 shown in FIG. 20). A number is set (1912), and the process proceeds to step 1913.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the round number information does not exist in the input command, the round number setting process is not executed, and the process proceeds to step 1913 without setting the round number setting process number as the process number.

  Next, the effect control device 150 determines whether or not interval information exists in the input command.

  When it is determined that there is interval information in the input command, the effect control device 150 sets the interval display process number to the process number in order to execute the interval display process process (the process of step 2014 shown in FIG. 20). (1914), the process proceeds to step 1915.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no interval information in the input command, the interval display process is not executed, and the process proceeds to step 1915 without setting the interval display process number as the process number.

  Next, the effect control device 150 determines whether or not jackpot end operation information exists in the input command (1915).

  When it is determined that the jackpot end operation information exists in the input command, the effect control device 150 adds the ending setting process number to the process number in order to execute the ending display process process (the process of step 2016 shown in FIG. 20). Is set (1916), and the status update process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no jackpot ending operation information in the input command, the ending display process is not executed, so the status update process is terminated without setting the ending setting process number as the process number.

  Next, the game management process of the process of step 1607 shown in FIG. 16 will be described.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the game management process according to the embodiment of the present invention. The game management process is executed by the CPU 151 of the effect control device 150.

  First, the effect control device 150 determines whether or not a power-on flag is set (2001).

  When it is determined that the power-on flag is set, the effect control device 150 displays an initial display symbol that is different for each model on the display device 22, and a power-on process for notifying that the power is turned on ( 21) is executed (2002).

  On the other hand, if the power-on flag is not set, the process proceeds to step 2003 without executing the power-on process.

  Next, the effect control device 150 determines whether or not a power failure recovery flag is set (2003).

  When it is determined that the power failure recovery flag is set, the effect control device 150 executes power failure recovery processing (see FIG. 22) for displaying the fluctuation pattern at the time of power failure recovery on the display device 22 (2004).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the power failure recovery flag is not set, the processing proceeds to step 2005 without executing the power failure recovery processing.

  Next, the production control device 150 determines whether or not the process number is set to the customer waiting demo process number (2005).

  When it is determined that the process number is set as the customer waiting demo process number, the effect control device 150 executes customer waiting demo process processing (see FIG. 23) for displaying the customer waiting demo on the display device 22 (2006). ).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the process number is not set as the customer waiting demo process number, the customer waiting demo process is not executed, and the process proceeds to step 2007.

  Next, the effect control device 150 determines whether or not the process number is set to the variable display process number (2007).

  When it is determined that the process number is set as the variation display process number, the effect control device 150 determines a variation display pattern and performs a variation display process process (FIG. 5) for playing a variation display game based on the determined variation display pattern. 24) is executed (2008).

  On the other hand, if the process number is not set to the variable display process number, the variable display process is not executed, and the process proceeds to step 2009.

  Next, the effect control device 150 determines whether or not the process number is set to the fanfare display process number (2009).

  When it is determined that the process number is set to the fanfare display process number, the effect control device 150 executes fanfare display process processing for selecting a fanfare sound corresponding to the set fanfare display process number (2010). .

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the process number is not set as the fanfare display process number, the fanfare display process is not executed, and the process proceeds to step 2011.

  Next, the effect control device 150 determines whether or not the process number is set to the round number process number (2011).

  If it is determined that the process number is set to the round number process number, a round number setting process for displaying the current round number on the display device 22 is executed (2012).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the process number is not set to the round number process number, the round number setting process is not executed, and the process proceeds to step 2013.

  Next, the effect control device 150 determines whether or not the process number is set as the interval display process number (2013).

  When it is determined that the process number is set as the interval display process number, the effect control device 150 executes interval display process processing for displaying the interval time (2014).

  On the other hand, when the process number is not set to the interval display process number, the production control device 150 does not execute the interval display process, and thus proceeds to the process of step 2015.

  Next, the effect control device 150 determines whether or not the process number is set to the ending display process number (2015).

  When it is determined that the process number is set as the ending display process number, the effect control device 150 executes an ending display process for displaying the ending screen on the display device 22 (2016), and ends the game management process. .

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the process number is not set to the ending display process number, the effect control device 150 does not execute the ending display process process, and thus ends the game management process.

  Next, the power-on process of the process of step 2002 shown in FIG. 20 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart of power-on processing according to the embodiment of this invention. The power-on process is executed by the CPU 151 of the effect control device 150.

  First, the effect control device 150 determines whether or not the power-on notification flag is set (2101).

  When it is determined that the power-on notification flag is not set, the effect control device 150 displays the symbol corresponding to the model / symbol designation information on the symbol (initial display) displayed on the display device 22 when the power is turned on. (Design) (2102).

  Then, the effect control device 150 sets a power-on notification mode for notifying that the power has been turned on (2103). Specifically, since the notification method in this case is a method of outputting a power-on sound from the speaker 18, the effect control device 150 indicates that the power-on sound output from the speaker 18 is turned on. Set to sound. While the power-on notification mode is set, the effect control device 150 outputs a power-on sound from the speaker 18.

  Then, the effect control device 150 sets a power-on notification flag and a notification timer (2104).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 2101 that the power-on notification flag is set, the effect control device 150 updates the notification timer (2105).

  Then, the effect control device 150 determines whether or not the notification timer is up (2106).

  When it is determined that the notification timer has not expired, the power-on process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the notification timer has expired, the effect control device 150 resets the power-on notification flag to stop the notification that the power has been turned on (2107).

  And since the production | presentation control apparatus 150 alert | reported that the power supply was turned on for the predetermined time, the power-on flag set by step 1902 shown in FIG. 19 is reset, and the power-on notification flag is reset (2108).

  When the power-on process is executed for the first time, the effect control device 150 does not set the power-on notification flag, so executes the processing of steps 2102 to 2104, sets the power-on notification mode, and turns on the power-on sound. Is started and the power-on process is terminated. Then, when the power-on process is executed next, if the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the power-on sound, the power-on sound is stopped, the power-on sound is stopped, and the power-on process is terminated. To do.

  Thus, since a power-on sound is output for a predetermined time when the power is turned on, it is possible to prevent fraud when the power is turned on.

  Next, the power failure recovery process in step 2004 shown in FIG. 20 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart of power failure recovery processing according to the embodiment of this invention. The power failure recovery process is executed by the CPU 151 of the effect control device 150.

  First, the effect control device 150 sets a symbol corresponding to the model / symbol designation information as a display symbol when the display screen indicating that the power failure has been restored is released (2201).

  And the production | presentation control apparatus 150 sets the display mode of the display screen which shows that the power failure was recovered | restored (2202), and complete | finishes the process at the time of a power failure recovery.

  Next, the details of the customer waiting demonstration process in step 2006 shown in FIG. 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the customer waiting demo process according to the embodiment of this invention. The customer waiting demonstration process is executed by the CPU 151 of the effect control device 150.

  The customer waiting demo process process is a process for displaying the customer waiting demo on the display device 22 when a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the customer waiting demo command.

  First, the effect control device 150 determines whether or not the customer waiting demo flag set in the process of step 2302 is set (2301).

  When it is determined that the customer waiting demo flag is not set, the effect control device 150 sets the customer waiting demo flag (2302).

  Then, the production control device 150 sets a customer waiting demo timer (2303).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 2301 that the customer waiting demo flag is set, the effect control device 150 updates the customer waiting demo timer (2304).

  Then, the production control device 150 determines whether or not the customer waiting demo timer is up (2305).

  If it is determined that the customer waiting demo timer has not expired, the customer waiting demo process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the customer waiting demo timer has timed out, the production control device 150 sets the customer waiting demo display mode in order to display the customer waiting demo on the display device 22 (2306). End the demo process.

  Next, the variable display process of the process at step 2008 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart of the variable display process process according to the embodiment of this invention. The variable display process is executed by the CPU 151 of the effect control device 150.

  First, the production control device 150 resets the customer waiting demo flag set in the process of step 2302 shown in FIG. 23 so as not to display the customer waiting demo on the display device 22 (2401).

  Then, the effect control device 150 determines whether or not the variable display flag indicating that one selection table set in the processing of Step 2409 has been selected is set (2402).

  If it is determined that the variable display flag is set, the effect control device 150 does not execute the process of selecting the selection table (the processes of Steps 2404 to 2409) since the selection table is selected. The process proceeds to 2410.

  When it is determined that the variable display flag is not set, the effect control device 150 executes the process of selecting the selection table (the processes of steps 2404 to 2409) because the selection table is not selected.

  First, the effect control device 150 determines whether or not the power failure recovery flag set in the processing of Step 1904 shown in FIG. 19 is set (2403).

  When it is determined in step 2403 that the power failure recovery flag is not set, the effect control device 150 determines the model / symbol designation information from the first selection table for normal variation display included in the model selection table. Is selected (2404), and the process proceeds to step 2407.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 2403 that the power failure recovery flag is set, the effect control device 150 does not immediately start the variable display, and the display result of the variable display game when a power failure occurs is displayed. In response to the symbol designation information of the model / design designation information from the second selection table for variable display at the time of power failure recovery set to delay the symbol scroll display to be displayed on the display device 22. The variable display pattern to be selected is selected (2405).

  And since the 2nd selection table for the fluctuation | variation display at the time of a power failure recovery is selected by the process of step 2405, the production | presentation control apparatus 150 resets a power failure recovery flag (2406).

  Next, the effect control device 150 sets a variation time timer corresponding to the input variation pattern designation command (2407).

  Then, the effect control device 150 sets a symbol corresponding to the symbol designation information of the model / symbol designation information as a stop symbol (2408).

  And since the production | presentation control apparatus 150 selected the selection table, the fluctuation display flag which shows that the selection table was selected is set (2409).

  Next, the effect control device 150 determines whether or not the variable time timer set in the processing of Step 2407 has expired (2410).

  If it is determined in step 2410 that the variable time timer has not expired, the variable display mode is updated (2411), the variable time timer is updated (2412), and the variable display process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 2410 that the variable time timer has expired, the symbol is stopped at the stop symbol set in step 2408, and the variable display is terminated (2413).

  Then, since the variation display has been completed, the effect control device 150 resets the variation display flag so as to select the selection table when the variation display is started next (2414).

  Next, a variation of the variation display process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a modification of the variable display process process according to the embodiment of this invention. The same processes as those in the variable display process shown in FIG.

  When the variable display game is played when a power failure occurs and the variable display game is not played until the next time that the game ball wins a prize at the start port 24, the effect display control device 150 sends a customer waiting demo command. Before the display, the display result of the variable display game in which a power failure has occurred is displayed on the display device 22.

  In the variation display process shown in FIG. 24, when a game ball is won next at the start port 24 and a variation display game is performed, the display result of the variation display game in which a power failure has occurred is already displayed on the display device 22. However, since the second selection table is selected, the time during which the symbols are scroll-displayed in the variable display game is shortened.

  The variable display process shown in FIG. 25 is a process in which the effect control device 150 selects the second selection table only when a variable display game is played when a power failure occurs.

  In the variable display process shown in FIG. 25, it is assumed that the game control device 100 transmits a pending storage number command to the effect control device 150 when a power failure is detected.

  In the variable display process shown in FIG. 25, when it is determined in step 2403 that the power failure recovery flag is set, the effect control device 150 determines whether or not the number of reserved memories is greater than zero ( 2501).

  If it is determined in step 2501 that the number of reserved memories is greater than zero, the process proceeds to step 2405 to select the second selection table. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 2501 that the number of reserved memories is equal to or less than zero, the first selection table that proceeds to step 2404 is selected.

  As a result, when the power failure recovery flag is set, the second selection table is selected only when the variable display game is continuously played after the power failure is restored, and the variable display game is continuously played after the power failure is restored. If not, the first selection table is selected.

  Therefore, when the variable display game is not played continuously after the power failure is restored, that is, when the display result of the variable display game in which the power failure has occurred is displayed before the variable display game after the power failure is restored, a new start is started. Since the first selection table is selected when a game ball is won in the mouth 24 and a variable display game is played, it is possible to prevent the scroll display time of the symbols of the variable display game from being shortened.

  Next, details of the model selection table will be described with reference to FIG. The model selection table is stored in the effect control device 150.

  The model selection table includes a model name 2601, a variable display pattern number 2602, a variable time 2603, a first selection table 2604, and a second selection table 2605.

  In the model name 2601, a model name corresponding to the model selection table is registered. In the fluctuation display pattern number 2602, a number corresponding to the fluctuation pattern number included in the fluctuation pattern command information is registered.

  In the change time 2603, a time for changing the symbol in the change display game is registered.

  The first selection table 2604 is a table in which the variation pattern is selected when the power failure recovery flag is not set, that is, when it is not necessary to display the previous variation display game result on the display device 22.

  The second selection table 2605 is a table in which the variation pattern is selected when the power failure recovery flag is set, that is, when the result of the previous variation display game needs to be displayed on the display device 22.

  Next, the timing at which various display screens are displayed on the display device 22 when a power failure has not occurred will be described with reference to FIGS. 27A and 27B.

  FIG. 27A is a diagram illustrating timings when various display screens are displayed on the display device 22 when a power failure does not occur according to the embodiment of this invention. FIG. 27B is an enlarged view for explaining the timing at which the scroll display screen is displayed on the display device 22 when no power failure occurs according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 27A and FIG. 27B, since a power failure has not occurred, the power failure recovery flag is not set. In the variation display process processing shown in FIG. 24 or the variation display process processing shown in FIG. The variable display pattern is not selected from the selection table.

  When the production control device 150 receives a variation start command 2701 including a symbol / model designation command and a variation pattern command, it starts scroll display of symbols.

  When a predetermined time elapses after the scroll display of the symbols is started, a temporary stop state is reached in which the symbols are swayed in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction (see FIG. 27B).

  When a predetermined time elapses after entering the temporary stop state, the symbol stops and the result of the variable display game is fixed. It should be noted that the time from the start of the symbol scroll display to the time when the symbol is stopped and the result of the variable display game is determined is the variable time of the one variable display game.

  On the other hand, the game control device 100 transmits a variation start command including a symbol / model designation command and a variation pattern command to the effect control device 150 because the number of reserved memories still exists. The effect control device 150 receives the change start command 2702 after the result of the change display game is confirmed, and immediately starts the scroll display of the symbols.

  Then, when the fluctuation time has elapsed, the effect control device 150 stops the symbol and finalizes the result of the fluctuation display game.

  Since the variable display game has been performed twice, the number of reserved memories becomes zero, so the game control device 100 transmits a customer waiting demo command to the effect control device 150. When receiving the customer waiting demo command 2703, the effect control device 150 displays the customer waiting demo on the display device 22 after a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the customer waiting demo command.

  Then, when a game ball is newly won at the start winning opening 24 during the customer waiting demonstration display, the game control device 100 newly transmits a change start command to the effect control device 150.

  When receiving the variation start command 2704, the effect control device 150 stops the customer waiting demonstration display and starts the symbol scroll display.

  Next, the timing at which various display screens are displayed on the display device 22 when a power failure occurs will be described with reference to FIGS. 28A, 28B, and 29. FIG.

  FIG. 28A is a diagram illustrating timings when various display screens are displayed on the display device 22 when a power failure occurs according to an embodiment of the present invention and there is a reserved storage number. FIG. 28B is an enlarged view illustrating a timing at which a scroll display screen is displayed on the display device 22 when a power failure occurs according to the embodiment of the present invention and there is a reserved storage number.

  28A and 28B, since a power failure has occurred, a power failure recovery flag is set, and in the variation display process processing shown in FIG. 24 or the variation display process processing shown in FIG. 25, the variation is changed from the second selection table. A display pattern is selected.

  As in FIG. 27A and FIG. 27B, when receiving the fluctuation start command 2801, the effect control device 150 starts scrolling the symbols. In this case, since the power failure has not yet occurred, the power failure recovery flag is not set, and therefore the effect control device 150 selects the variable display pattern from the first selection table.

  A case where a power failure occurs while the effect control device 150 scrolls and displays the symbols and the power failure is restored during the variation time of the variable display game will be described.

  When the power failure is restored, the effect control device 150 displays a power failure restoration screen for notifying that the power failure has been restored on the display device 22 (see FIGS. 30 and 31). The production control device 150 continues to display the power failure recovery screen until the next command is received.

  The game control device 100 transmits a change start command to the effect control device 150 because the number of reserved memories exists.

  When the production control device 150 receives the fluctuation start command 2802, since the power failure flag is set in the fluctuation display process shown in FIG. 24, the fluctuation control pattern is selected from the second selection table, and the scroll display delay time is set. After the elapse of time, the scroll display of symbols is started (see FIG. 28B).

  Also in the variation example of the variation display process shown in FIG. 25, the power failure flag is set and the number of reserved storage exists, so the variation display pattern is selected from the second selection table.

  The effect control device 150 displays on the display device 22 a stop symbol of the variable display game in which the stop symbol cannot be displayed due to a power failure during the scroll display delay time.

  And the production | presentation control apparatus 150 stops a design, after making a design into a temporary stop state, and confirms the result of a variable display game.

  Since the variable display game is played twice, there is no reserved memory number, so the game control device 100 transmits a customer waiting demo command to the effect control device 150. When receiving the customer waiting demo command 2703, the effect control device 150 displays the customer waiting demo on the display device 22 after a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the customer waiting demo command.

  Then, when a game ball is newly won at the start winning opening 24 during the customer waiting demonstration display, the game control device 100 newly transmits a change start command to the effect control device 150.

  Upon receiving the change start command 2804, the effect control device 150 stops the customer waiting demonstration display and starts the symbol scroll display.

  FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating timings at which various display screens are displayed on the display device 22 when a power failure occurs in the modification of the embodiment of the present invention and there is no reserved storage number.

  In this case, in the variation display process shown in FIG. 24, since a power failure has occurred, a power failure recovery flag is set, and a variation display pattern is selected from the second selection table. In the variable display process shown in FIG. 25, a power failure has occurred and there is no reserved memory number, so the variable display pattern is selected from the first selection table.

  FIG. 29 shows the timing at which various display screens are displayed on the display device 22 in the variable display process shown in FIG.

  First, as in FIG. 28A and FIG. 28B, when the production control device 150 receives the change start command 2901, it starts scroll display of symbols. In this case, since the power failure has not yet occurred, the power failure recovery flag is not set, and therefore the effect control device 150 selects the variable display pattern from the first selection table.

  When a power failure occurs while the symbols are scrolled and the power failure is restored during the fluctuation time of the variable display game, the effect control device 150 displays a power failure recovery screen on the display device 22 until the next command is received. ing.

  The gaming control device 100 transmits a customer waiting demo command to the effect control device 150 because there is no pending storage number.

  When receiving the customer waiting demo command 2902, the effect control device 150 stops displaying the power failure recovery screen, and displays the result of the variable display game in which the power failure has occurred for a predetermined time until the customer waiting demo is displayed.

  Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the customer waiting demo command 2902, the effect control device 150 displays the customer waiting demo on the display device 22.

  Next, the effect control device 150 newly receives a change start command 2903 and starts scrolling the symbols.

  In this case, the production control device 150 does not select the variable display pattern from the second selection table in the modified example of the variable display process shown in FIG. In this way, the symbol scroll display is started without delaying the symbol scroll display.

  On the other hand, in the variation display process shown in FIG. 24, the production control device 150 selects the variation display pattern from the second selection table because the power failure flag is set, and therefore delays and starts the scroll display of the symbol. .

  Next, the screen of the variable display game displayed on the display device 22 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining a screen of the variable display game displayed on the display device 22 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  A stop symbol which is a result of the previous variation display game is displayed (3001). Next, the effect control device 150 receives the change start command and starts scroll display of symbols (3002). Reference numerals 3003 to 3005 denote screens during the scroll display of symbols when no power failure occurs during the variable display game.

  In the scroll display of symbols 3002 and 3005, the symbols are scroll-displayed at a low speed, and in the scroll display of symbols 3003 and 3004, the symbols are scroll-displayed at a high speed.

  When the variation time has elapsed after receiving the variation start command, the effect control device 150 stops the symbol and determines the result of the variation display game (3006).

  In other words, the scroll display first scrolls the symbol at a low speed (3002), then scrolls the symbol at a high speed (3003 and 3004), and finally scrolls the symbol at a low speed (3005). Is stopped (3006).

  Next, a case where a power failure occurs during the variable display game will be described.

  When a power failure occurs, power is not supplied to the display device 22, so that the display device 22 is in a state where nothing is displayed (3007).

  When the power failure is restored, screens displayed on the display device 22 in the prior art will be described in 3008 to 3011, and screens displayed on the display device 22 in the embodiment of the present invention will be described in 3012 to 3015.

  First, the screen displayed on the display device 22 in the prior art will be described.

  When recovering from the power failure, the effect control device 150 displays the power failure recovery screen on the display device 22 until the next command is received (3008 and 3009). Then, upon receiving the next fluctuation start command, the effect control device 150 immediately starts the symbol scroll display (3010 and 3011).

  For this reason, the player cannot see the result of the variable display game in which a power failure occurs.

  Next, a screen displayed on the display device 22 in the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In 3012 and 3013, as in the conventional technologies 3008 and 3009, the effect control device 150 displays the power failure recovery screen until the next command is received.

  And since the power failure has generate | occur | produced in the production | presentation control apparatus 150, since the power failure recovery flag is set, the fluctuation | variation display pattern is selected from a 2nd selection table by a fluctuation | variation display process process. By selecting the variable display pattern from the second selection table, the effect control device 150 delays the start of the symbol scroll display, so that the result of the variable display game in which a power failure has occurred is displayed on the display device 22 (3014). .

  When the result of the variable display game in which a power failure has occurred is displayed on the display device 22, the stop symbol of the variable display game in which a power failure has occurred is displayed in a temporarily stopped state.

  Also, identification information (for example, a character or the like) indicating whether or not the variable display is being displayed may be displayed to indicate that the variable display is being performed, and the stop symbol of the variable display game in which a power failure has occurred may be stopped and displayed. Good. It should be noted that the identification information indicating whether or not the variable display is being performed is displayed by changing the identification information when the variable display is being displayed, and the identification information indicating that the variable display is not being displayed. Is displayed.

  And the production | presentation control apparatus 150 starts the scroll display of a symbol, after displaying the result of the fluctuation | variation display game in which the power failure generate | occur | produced on the display apparatus 22 (3015).

  Thereby, the player can visually recognize the result of the variable display game in which a power failure occurs.

  FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining a modification of the screen of the variable display game displayed on the display device 22 when a power failure occurs according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 31, a description will be given from a state (3007) in which a power failure occurs and nothing is displayed on the display device 22.

  First, a first modification (3101 to 3104) will be described.

  When recovering from a power failure, the effect control device 150 displays a power failure recovery screen until the next command is received (3101 and 3102).

  When the next change start command is received, the production control device 150 generates a power failure at a lower speed than the normal symbol scroll display so that the player can visually recognize the result of the variable display game in which the power failure has occurred. The stop symbol resulting from the changed display game is scroll-displayed for a predetermined time (3103).

  Then, after the stop symbol resulting from the variable display game in which a power failure has occurred is scroll-displayed for a predetermined time, the symbol scroll display is started at a normal speed (3104).

  Thereby, the player can visually recognize the result of the variable display game in which a power failure occurs.

  Next, a second modification (3105 to 3108) will be described.

  When recovering from the power failure, the effect control device 150 displays the stop symbol as a result of the variable display game in which the power failure has occurred without displaying the power failure recovery screen in a temporarily stopped state until the next command is received.

  Then, when receiving the next change start command, the effect control device 150 stops and displays the stop symbol displayed in the temporary stop state for a predetermined time, and confirms the result of the change display game in which a power failure has occurred (3107).

  Then, the effect control device 150 starts scroll display of symbols (3108).

  Thereby, the player can visually recognize the result of the variable display game in which a power failure occurs.

  The embodiment disclosed this time is illustrative in all points and is not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined not by the above description of the invention but by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.

  As described above, the present invention can be applied to a gaming machine in which a display control unit executes a variable display game on a display device based on a command from a game control unit.

It is a front view of the gaming machine (pachinko machine) of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows a part of control system centering on the game control apparatus of the game machine of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the first half of the main process of game control of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the second half part of the main process of game control of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the power failure recovery command edit process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the power-on command edit process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the timer interruption process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the special figure game process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the special figure game branch process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the special figure usual process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the special figure fluctuation start process 1 of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the various commands transmitted from the game control apparatus of embodiment of this invention to an effect control apparatus. It is a figure which shows the table explaining the various commands transmitted from the game control apparatus of embodiment of this invention to an effect control apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structure of the model and symbol designation | designated command of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the model and symbol designation | designated command of embodiment of this invention. It is a state transition diagram of the production control device of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the main process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the interruption process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the information type command update process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the status update process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the game management process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the process at the time of power-on of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the power failure recovery process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of a customer waiting demo process process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the fluctuation | variation display process process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the modification of the fluctuation | variation display process process of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the selection table for models of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the timing when various display screens are displayed on a display apparatus, when the power failure of embodiment of this invention has not generate | occur | produced. It is an enlarged view of explanatory drawing of the timing when a scroll display screen is displayed on a display device when a power failure does not occur in an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the timing when various display screens are displayed on a display apparatus when it is a case where the power failure of embodiment of this invention generate | occur | produces, and there exists a pending | holding memory | storage number. It is an enlarged view of explanatory drawing of the timing at which a scroll display screen is displayed on the display device when a power failure occurs in the embodiment of the present invention and there is a reserved storage number. It is explanatory drawing of the timing when various display screens are displayed on a display apparatus when it is a case where the power failure of the modification of embodiment of this invention has generate | occur | produced, and there are no pending | holding memory | storage numbers. It is a figure for demonstrating the screen of the variable display game displayed on the display apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of the screen of the variable display game displayed on a display apparatus when the power failure generate | occur | produces of embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 5 Game board 6 Glass frame 10 Guide rail 11 Game area 15 Launching operation part 16 Upper plate 17 Lower plate 18 Speaker 19 Ashtray 21 Center case 22 Display device 23 Ordinary variable prize device 24 Start prize opening 25 Large prize opening 26 Normal Symbol start gate 28 General winning opening 100 Game control device 150 Production control device

Claims (3)

A display device capable of changing a display state;
A start winning opening that is arranged on the game board and can receive game balls,
A game that controls the game in an integrated manner and transmits variable display start information for instructing the start of a variable display game in which a plurality of symbols are variably displayed on the display device based on the winning of a game ball at the start winning opening Control means;
Display control means for executing a variable display game on the display device based on the variable display start information,
In a gaming machine capable of causing a specific gaming state advantageous to a player when the display result mode of the variable display game is a specific display result mode,
The game control means includes
When the gaming machine is powered on, it transmits model designation information indicating the model of the gaming machine to the display control means,
Based on the winning of a game ball at the start winning opening, as the variation start information, variation pattern information for identifying a variation pattern in the variation display game, a pattern for identifying a display result mode of the variation display game Sending the designation information and the model designation information indicating the model of the game control means to the display control means,
The display control means includes
A presentation table including a variation pattern in the variation display game and a variation time for variably displaying a symbol in the variation display game is stored corresponding to the game control means of a plurality of types of models,
Based on the model designation information transmitted from the game control means, select the effect table corresponding to the model of the game control means,
Based on the variation pattern information among the variation display start information transmitted from the game control means, the variation pattern is specified from the variation pattern included in the selected presentation table, and based on the symbol designation information. , Specifying the display result mode in the variable display game, starting the variable display game,
A gaming machine, wherein when the variation time corresponding to the identified variation pattern has elapsed, the variation display game is stopped in the identified display result mode.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game control means transmits the model designation information to the display control means by including either the variation pattern information or the symbol designation information. The game control means includes
Storing power-on symbol designating information for designating a symbol to be displayed on the display device when the gaming machine is powered on;
When the gaming machine is turned on, the power-on information indicating that the power is turned on and the power-on symbol designation information including the model designation information are transmitted to the display control means. ,
When the display control means receives the power-on information and the power-on symbol designation information, the display control means is designated by the power-on symbol designation information from a plurality of symbols stored corresponding to the model designation information. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a symbol is selected and displayed on the display device.

Images